A former loyalist paramilitary leader and alleged RUC informer received a 10 year sentence today for an attack on a nightclub doorman almost four years ago.
Mark Haddock, 37, originally from Mount Vernon Park, was convicted in September of grievous bodily harm with intent against the doorman, Trevor Gowdy, outside a social club in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim in December 2002.
Haddock, who is at the centre of a major inquiry into collusion between loyalist paramilitary murderers and special branch officers, grinned as he listened to the judge at Belfast Crown Court via a video link-up from the prison where he has been waiting to learn his fate.
Mr Justice Weatherup said: "This was an act of conspicuous savagery and a despicable act upon this man.
"He was put in fear of his life and but for his own resourcefulness I do not doubt he would have been removed from the scene and further punishment inflicted upon him.
"This type of gangland attack cannot be tolerated."
Haddock was cleared of the attempted murder of doorman Trevor Gowdy, who was beaten unconscious with an iron bar and hatchet. Haddock, who was named in court as a senior UVF figure, claimed he had gone to assist Mr Gowdy.
Haddock was shot up to eight times in Newtownabbey, north Belfast, last May, while on bail awaiting sentencing.